Maccabi Tel Aviv Fears Losing Home-Court Advantage in Cyprus
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly close to playing home games in Cyprus and has requested that matches against Panathinaikos and Olympiacos be held without fans. The team fears the Greek clubs' large fan bases could create a home-court advantage for the visitors. The games would take place in Limassol's "Spyros Kyprianou" arena, with enhanced security measures planned.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv may play home games in Cyprus due to fan concerns.
- The team requested games against Panathinaikos and Olympiacos be spectator-free.
- Maccabi fears Greek clubs' fan bases could provide a home-court advantage.
- The venue is the "Spyros Kyprianou" arena in Limassol with a 6,000-seat capacity.
- Security will be significantly increased for these potential games.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's potential move to Cyprus for home games is reportedly nearing reality, with the team requesting that their matchups against Panathinaikos and Olympiacos be played without spectators. This request stems from concerns that the Greek clubs' large fan bases in the neighboring island nation could create a home-like atmosphere for the opposing teams. The report from Serbia's "Meridian" indicates that this decision is not final and fan attendance may still be permitted.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's primary goal is to prevent their Greek opponents from gaining a potential advantage. The team is seeking to avoid a scenario where the atmosphere favors Athens' powerhouse clubs. The first scheduled game against a Greek opponent is set for November 17 against Olympiacos, while Panathinaikos is slated to visit on January 7, following a previous EuroLeague loss to them in OAKA.
Should the games proceed in Cyprus, Maccabi desires them to be held behind closed doors. The venue is the "Spyros Kyprianou" arena in Limassol, which has a seating capacity of 6,000. Reports suggest that 4,500 tickets would be allocated to Maccabi fans, with the remaining tickets available to local supporters. Security measures are expected to be significantly enhanced on game days and in the surrounding areas.
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